Press Conference by Minister Saito (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

10:42 to 10:49 a.m.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Visit to Fukushima and Hokkaido Prefectures

At the beginning, I would like to mention one point.
I am scheduled to visit Fukushima Prefecture today and Hokkaido Prefecture tomorrow.
During my visit to Fukushima, on an occasion to mark one year since  the start of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, I will attend an event to highlight the appeal of tasty marine products called Sanriku-Joban Mono and call for greater consumption of these marine products with people in the distribution industry.
I will also visit Namie Town and exchange views with Mr. Yoshida Eiko, the mayor, on future approaches to advancing reconstruction.
Moreover, bearing in mind the Fukushima Plan for a New Energy Society, I will visit some project sites for supplying hydrogen to the region, mainly a demonstration facility called Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R). This is one of the leading case examples of reconstruction efforts under the plan.
During my visit to Hokkaido tomorrow, I will visit an offshore wind farm at Ishikari Bay New Port and Ishikari Datacenter operated by Sakura internet Inc., and exchange views with the staff. I will ascertain the progress made by these companies that have been advancing their projects making use of regional characteristics so that METI can take advantage of the results in drafting policies for promoting Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX).
I will end my remarks here.

Question-and-Answer Session

Situation in the Middle East

Q: I would like to ask you about the situation in the Middle East.
A senior official of the Islamic organization Hamas was killed in Iran, a country he was visiting. In response, Iran has indicated that it intends to take revenge against Israel. Could you offer a comment on the possible impact on energy supply to Japan if this revenge occurs?

A: As you already know, the Middle East region is one of the most important regions that support the world’s energy supply. Easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East are extremely important for Japan's national interests. Accordingly, it goes without saying that Japan will make all possible diplomatic efforts.
Based on this, I recognize that no impact has yet occurred on the stable energy supply to Japan as of today. However, we will keep a close watch on the situation with a high degree of tension.